Bolivia has lithium, and the president intends to make world pay for itBolivia has lithium, and the president intends to make world pay for it

Most countries are now moving towards making hybrid cars. However, half of the world's lithium is based out of Bolivia, and lithium is exactly what automakers need in order to make their cars. As Japanese and European automakers make their way to Bolivia to get lithium, Bolivia is aware that the US may soon make a move for Bolivia's lithium. Of course, Bolivia has not so nice feelings towards the US, and has already brought up the fact that they nationalized their oil for us. There is a goal to keep foreigners away for a while due to the fact Bolivia isn't quite sure how they are going to handle how much money will come from this business. Along with foreigners wanting their lithium, lithium farmers are also speaking up and saying that they want a share of whatever goes to foreign companies. Many car companies are keeping their eye on Bolivia's lithium because not only does it weigh less than a nickel, it is used in the batteries of the hybrid cars. US studies show that essentially 5.4 million tons of lithium could be extracted from Bolivia's salt deserts. Clearly, this makes the US very interested, especially since General Motors just took a dive in the market. However a quote from Saúl Villegas, head of evaporates, says Bolivia's expectation quite clearly, "Maybe there could be the possibility of foreigners accepted as minority partners, or better yet, as our clients." As one of South Americas least developed country, Bolivia now needs to find the funds to back a project that could potentially reestablish Bolivia's economy. We will just have to see what happens.